Bakersfield landlord to pay $2 million in sex suit

The Associated Press

Federal officials say a Bakersfield landlord has agreed to pay more than $2 million to settle a lawsuit alleging he traded housing benefits for sex and retaliated against women who refused his sexual advances.

The U.S. Justice Department says the settlement announced Tuesday is the largest ever for a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by the federal government under the Fair Housing Act.

The government alleges Rawland Leon Sorensen harassed the women over the past nine years, making unwelcome sexual comments and advances, exposing his genitals and groping tenants. He also allegedly evicted some women who refused his advances.

The settlement amount includes damages for 25 alleged victims.

The 80-year-old Sorenson told the Associated Press he denies the allegations and that he evicted people because they didn't pay the rent.